ABOUT Act Sing Dance...
Act Sing Dance was founded by Kaylene Pomana Jones an experienced actor, singer, dancer and choreographer of Hip Hop, Old Skool Funk, Pussycat Dolls, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Tap, Latin, Polynesian, Bollywood, Retro Boogie 80's, Booty Shaking like Beyonce and 70's Disco dance styles.
How did you get your start?
I moved to Sydney (from New Zealand) for Showboat in 1998, at the Lyric theatre (Star City Casino). I secured a one year contract as an understudy (acting, singing and dance roles), covering for ten different people. I’d be sitting in the green room watching television and they’d say ‘You’re on in ten minutes.’ and I'm like ‘Oh, who am I?’ It’s not boring because it’s hard work. It’s mentally, physically and emotionally gruelling. I still have nightmares about finding my costumes. In my dreams I’m saying, ‘Oh no! where’s my hat? I’ve got the wrong shoes!’ It's a trip!
What do you love about teaching?
I can see it in my head, do the preparation and actually see it come together. That’s more rewarding for me than being in a really popular show night after night doing the same thing. The highlight for me is seeing people progress. It’s when I show a step and people say ‘I can’t do that.’ Then at the end you can see it all over their face ‘Yes! I did it.’.
How do you figure out what to teach?
A lot of time goes into research and choreography. I have a huge music video library of artists from all over the world. I think you need to take notice of trends because that’s what people want, but I can’t just teach a style if it doesn’t inspire me because then I’ll suck. If I’m really inspired then it’s easy. It’ll flow.
As a dancer, and a lot of dancers will attest to this, you’re put down a lot. You’re criticised, you’re told what’s wrong with you ever since you’re very little. The accumulation of that has made me want to give people a sense of ‘You’re good enough as you are.’
Kids will just give it a go. They don’t really care too much about what they look like, whereas adults are down on themselves before they walk into the room. That’s the biggest battle as a teacher – not to teach them how to dance but to teach them that what they do is okay.
Is the world of entertainment bitchy?
I wouldn’t say bitchy, I would say competitive. It’s cutthroat. There are very few vacancies and a heck of a lot of applicants, and that creates a pressured environment, which unless you’re used to it, can be quite intimidating.
Why did you start ACT SING DANCE?
I don’t have the typical dancer body or natural dancing ability. I basically, through years and years of hard slog can do what I do now. I wasn’t naturally talented. Enthusiastic, yes - talented, no. That’s why I’m really passionate about giving the opportunity to everybody. If you ever wanted to learn to act, sing or dance then now is the time start! All the best, Kaylene :)
Hens Night Dance | Team Building Dance | Dance Courses | Dance Workshops
|
